Alternate tunings can seem like a step into the unknown for many guitarists, but simply adjusting a few tuning pegs can unlock a completely new sonic landscape. Open G tuning is one such alternate tuning, particularly favored in blues and folk music for its rich and resonant sound. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essentials of open G tuning, explaining how to achieve it and exploring its use in popular songs across various genres.
What is Open G Tuning and Why Use It?
Open G tuning is an alternate guitar tuning that allows you to play a G major chord simply by strumming the open strings. The name itself comes from this open G chord, achieved by tuning your guitar strings to the notes that constitute a G major chord: G, B, and D.
The beauty of open G tuning lies in its simplicity and the unique tonal character it imparts. Strumming your guitar in the open position, without fretting any notes, produces a full G major chord. This characteristic offers several advantages:
Firstly, it simplifies chord playing. The G chord becomes effortless, and many other major chords can be formed with simple barre shapes. This ease of chord formation makes open G tuning exceptionally well-suited for slide guitar playing, where smooth transitions between chords are crucial.
Secondly, open G tuning lends a distinct, bluesy flavor to your guitar’s tone that differs significantly from standard tuning. This unique sonic quality has made it a staple in genres like blues and folk music. Legendary blues musicians like Robert Johnson and folk pioneers such as Joni Mitchell were known for their use of open G. Its influence extends into blues-infused rock music as well, adopted by iconic bands and artists like The Rolling Stones, George Thorogood, and The Black Crowes, among others.
Tuning Your Guitar to Open G: A Step-by-Step Guide
Open G tuning involves altering the pitch of three strings from standard tuning, resulting in a significant change in the overall sound and feel of your guitar. Let’s break down the differences between standard tuning and open G tuning.
In standard guitar tuning, the six strings are tuned, from the lowest pitch (thickest string) to the highest pitch (thinnest string), as follows:
- E (6th string – lowest)
- A (5th string)
- D (4th string)
- G (3rd string)
- B (2nd string)
- E (1st string – highest)
To achieve open G tuning, you need to adjust three strings downwards by a whole step (two frets). Here’s how your strings will be tuned in Open G:
- D (6th string – tuned down a whole step from E)
- G (5th string – tuned down a whole step from A)
- D (4th string – remains the same)
- G (3rd string – remains the same)
- B (2nd string – remains the same)
- D (1st string – tuned down a whole step from E)
Now, let’s look at practical methods for tuning your guitar to open G:
Using a Tuner:
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Start with the low E string (6th string). Pluck the string and tune it down a whole step to D. Turn the tuning peg clockwise (towards you while holding the guitar in playing position) to lower the pitch. Use an electronic tuner, like the Fender Online Guitar Tuner (available for both electric and acoustic guitar), and aim for the note D. You can select “Open G” tuning in the tuner settings for guided tuning.
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Tune the A string (5th string) down to G. Similarly, pluck the 5th string and turn the tuning peg clockwise to lower the pitch until your tuner registers a G note.
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Tune the high E string (1st string) down to D. Pluck the 1st string and tune it down a whole step to D, again by turning the tuning peg clockwise.
The D, G, and B strings (4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings) remain unchanged from standard tuning.
Tuning by Ear:
If you don’t have a tuner handy, you can tune to open G by ear using the following steps:
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Tune the low E string (6th) to D. Play your open D string (4th string). Tune the 6th string down until it matches the pitch of the 4th string. Remember the 6th string D will be an octave lower than the 4th string D.
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Tune the A string (5th) to G. Play your open G string (3rd string). Tune the 5th string down until it matches the pitch of the 3rd string.
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Tune the high E string (1st) to D. Again, use your open D string (4th string) as a reference. Tune the 1st string down until it matches the pitch. The 1st string D will be an octave higher than the 4th string D.
Once you’ve tuned all the strings, strum your guitar in the open position. You should hear a rich, resonant G major chord. If it sounds dissonant, double-check each string’s tuning against a tuner or reference notes.
Open G Tuning in Music: Genres and Songs
Open G tuning’s unique sonic character has made it a favorite among musicians across various genres, particularly in folk, blues, and rock music. Let’s explore some notable examples:
Folk Music and Open G
Folk music icon Joni Mitchell was a prolific user of alternate tunings, including open G, in her songwriting. She found that open G tuning facilitated fingerpicking patterns and the creation of complex arpeggios that beautifully complemented her distinctive soprano voice and poetic lyrics. Songs like “Little Green” and “Nathan LaFraneer” are prime examples of her use of open G tuning.
“Little Green,” from her album Blue, showcases the emotional depth and evocative imagery characteristic of Mitchell’s songwriting, enhanced by the open G tuning. “Nathan LaFraneer,” similarly poetic, paints a vivid picture of a specific time and place. In both songs, open G tuning contributes to the atmospheric and emotionally resonant quality of the music.
Blues Music and Open G
Robert Johnson, a foundational figure in Delta blues and arguably the father of American blues, prominently used open G tuning. His slide guitar rendition of “Walkin’ Blues” is a testament to the tuning’s bluesy potential. Originally recorded by Son House, Johnson’s version, recorded six years later, infused the song with his signature heavy, rhythmic style and innovative slide guitar work, breathing new life into the classic blues tune.
Muddy Waters, another blues legend, also recorded “Walkin’ Blues,” adding his distinctive Chicago blues style to the song. Eric Clapton further popularized the song, incorporating a rock edge while staying true to its blues roots. These versions highlight the versatility of open G tuning within the blues genre and its evolution across different artists and styles.
Rock Music and Open G
Many rock artists, particularly those with blues influences, have embraced open G tuning to inject a bluesier, more rootsy sound into their music. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is perhaps the most famous proponent of open G in rock. He famously used it on countless Rolling Stones classics, including “Honky Tonk Women,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Start Me Up.” Open G tuning is integral to Richards’ iconic guitar sound and the enduring impact of The Rolling Stones’ music over decades.
Led Zeppelin also explored the bluesier side of rock, utilizing open G tuning on songs like the acoustic “Going to California” and the blues-infused “In My Time of Dying.” While “Going to California” leans towards a folk-rock feel, “In My Time of Dying” delves deep into blues territory, both musically and lyrically, reflecting on themes of mortality.
The Black Crowes, known for their bluesy Southern rock sound that emerged in the 1990s, utilized open G tuning on hits like “Hard to Handle” and “Twice As Hard” from their debut album. More recently, bands like Eagles of Death Metal have continued to employ open G tuning in their music, as heard in songs like “I Only Want You” and “Secret Plans,” demonstrating its continued relevance in contemporary rock.
Explore New Sonic Territories with Open G Tuning
Alternate tunings like open G tuning offer guitarists exciting avenues for musical exploration. Open G simplifies chord playing, especially for barre chords and slide guitar techniques, and unlocks a unique sonic palette perfect for blues, folk, rock, and beyond. While venturing into alternate tunings might initially seem daunting, it opens up a world of new sounds and creative possibilities on your guitar. With practice and experimentation, mastering open G tuning can be a rewarding step in your musical journey, encouraging you to explore other tunings like drop D and open D.
Ready to explore more alternate tunings and expand your guitar skills? Start your free trial with Fender Play today and discover a wealth of guitar lessons and techniques to elevate your playing.
